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A woman formerly staying at a female recovery facility in the state of California reportedly stole a minivan and engaged in a prolonged police chase culminating with her traveling across the border into Mexico on the start of the week.

Vehicle Theft Reported from Sober Living Home

As stated in a law enforcement statement, a another female, Nicolle Walters, forty-five years old, reported that her 2004 gray Toyota Sienna was missing, along with her car key. The owner, who operates two female recovery residences, identified the suspect as Alyssa Wilson at a recovery facility in Thousand Oaks, situated approximately 60 minutes north-west of LA.

“The keys were stolen out of my manager’s handbag. I happened to pull up just as it was occurring,” Walters stated, noting that the minivan is used for the facility’s daily operations.

Dramatic Chase Develops Across Multiple Counties

Officials tracked the van about 12 miles north in Simi Valley, where they attempted to initiate a traffic stop, but the suspect did not comply and accelerated rapidly. She attained speeds of about 90mph on the 118 freeway until the pursuit continued into LA County. At that point, Ventura county authorities handed over the operation to the CHP once the driver merged onto the 405 freeway heading south.

“This incident is particularly unusual in the context of the traffic conditions enabling individuals to continue to remain on the freeway and extend this chase,” said a public information officer from the local law enforcement agency.

The suspect allegedly avoided all the tire-deflation devices tossed on the roadway by police, as seen in footage from above.

International Getaway and Aftermath

The pursuit finally arrived at the international border by 1.30pm, prompting the CHP to end its pursuit due to legal limitations.

Walters stated on Tuesday that the vehicle was situated in Tijuana, Mexico and that she was working with the authorities to recover the vehicle.

“At the end of the day, I’m not concerned with the car,” she said. “I’m more at ease knowing she wasn’t hurt. The car is easily substituted.”

Owner’s Perspective

The sober living home owner, who has operated the recovery residence since October 2024, acknowledges that the path to recovery from addiction and emotional distress is not always linear.

“This is a psychological and substance abuse crisis,” she said. “There is a need for additional assistance. It is essential to provide more resources for those that are facing challenges.”

“Recovery isn’t always pretty,” Walters concluded.